Topic: A Taste of Adversity [Wednesday March 9, 2016]
Text: Exodus 1:1-14
Key Verse: “But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel”(Exodus 1:12).
That ‘every cloud has a silver lining’ is an age-long saying. The ‘cloud’ over the children of Israel here was the hard labour they were made to endure under the leadership of anew Pharaoh who neither knew Joseph nor reckoned with his great achievements in Egypt.
Unknown to most oppressors, great things usually emerge during crises and adversities; and at such times, the best of a man often easily becomes obvious. Although the new king did not receive any news of provocation from the Israelites, his policy was born e out of fear which led to Israel’s oppression. This proved counterproductive. The Israelites were meant to be kept down, but they grew. Their strength was to be whittled down, but it increased.
One thing was not clear to both the oppressors and the oppressed. And this is why those undergoing oppression should have the right attitude. God wanted the nation of Israel to grow, but it seemed, hitherto, that the growth was slow. What if God, in His wisdom, permitted the oppressors to enhance the growth in some ways? During more than 200 years, while Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived at liberty, the Hebrews increased slowly; only about seventy persons went down into Egypt. There, in about the same number of years, though under cruel bondage, they became a large nation. This wonderful increase was according torn the promise made unto the fathers.
Though the performance of God’s promises is sometimes slow, it is always sure. We are therefore, admonished today to be careful how we interpret our current experiences of hardship, lack, sickness, ill-treatment, deprivation, victimisation, for “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”(Romans 8:28).
Thought for the day: Hardship doesn’t kill but strengthens.
Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 8–10
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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